Overview & Reviews

The Pontiac brand is part of the General Motors family, and is home to many of the automaker's more performance-oriented vehicles. Currently, the marque offers a broad range of sporty cars and SUVs. However, as part of GM's restructuring plan, the brand is slated to be discontinued by the end of the 2010 model year.

Pontiac originated as the Oakland Car Company of Pontiac, Michigan, in 1907; it was founded by Edward Murphy. Acquired by General Motors in 1909, Oakland introduced the first Pontiac vehicle in 1926. Dubbed the "Chief of the Sixes," the car was powered by a six-cylinder engine and made its debut at that year's New York auto show. It was so successful that the Oakland name was phased out in favor of Pontiac, the name of an 18th-century chief of the Ottawa Indians. Throughout the 1930s and '40s Pontiac made coupes, sedans and wagons in the low-to-mid price ranges. A unique styling cue of Pontiac cars from the mid-'30s to the mid-'50s was known as "Silver Streak," a set of art-deco-inspired chrome "speed lines" that ran up over the length of the hood to the base of the windshield.

The 1950s saw the introduction of the Pontiac Bonneville. The sprawling, stylish cruiser offered equal measures of performance and luxury, and was a breakout hit. But it wasn't until the 1960s that the Pontiac brand truly came into its own. American manufacturers had begun to offer downsized alternatives to the gigantic cruisers that had ruled the highways in previous decades. Pontiac came to market with the compact Tempest. In 1964, Pontiac made its biggest impact yet with the creation of the GTO option for the Tempest. By equipping the car with the powerful 389 cubic-inch V8 from the full-size car line, Pontiac created the first "muscle car." Phenomenally successful, the GTO helped define the burgeoning muscle car category. Pontiac also saw tremendous success during the latter part of this decade with its Firebird and Firebird Trans Am.

The oil crisis of the '70s made fuel efficiency a priority for many car buyers. Following the lead of its GM siblings, Pontiac made compact vehicles like the Ventura and Phoenix a major part of its lineup. The '80s saw the launch of the two-seat Pontiac Fiero. Despite its modest beginnings (it was initially marketed as a "commuter car"), the Fiero eventually blossomed into a credible sports car.

The '90s saw the launch of Pontiacs like the Sunfire and Montana minivan. Pontiac has slowly lost sales due to changing tastes and a lack of differentiation between its models and those of other GM divisions. In hopes of recapturing past glory, the division embarked on a plan to retire aged models and introduce all-new ones with distinctive styling and personality. For a while, the effort seemed to be bearing fruit. New models like the Vibe, Solstice and G8 made Pontiac a brand to consider in many segments. However, GM's financial troubles in 2008 and 2009 have resulted in the company's decision to phase out Pontiac as a brand. It's expected 2010 will be Pontiac's last year for new models.

User Reviews:

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  One great Ride - 1997 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Dave Sarasota FL - November 27 - 10:00 am

  Looks great and runs even better... own since new... Normal wear and tear turn 70,000 never a major repair. great car...

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  Looks Great ! Drives Great ! - 2008 Pontiac G6
  By J - November 27 - 4:33 am

  Not only does it have the look of a sports car, but it handles like one. Yet, it is very spacious interior and large trunk. Unfortunately, I can say it does great with rear accidents, only scratches to the bumper with 40 mph impact. Monsoon radio sounds great! Leather seats are incredible comfortable.

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  Buy a goat - 2006 Pontiac GTO
  By kpdremn - November 23 - 4:16 am

  awesome car wish the steering wheel went down further. has tire hop...

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  Everybody should have one! - 2006 Pontiac GTO
  By Jam - November 23 - 12:20 am

  I have owned a 350Z, Acura, and RX-8. When I traded in my mazda for this car I was a little hesitant, but I am glad that I did. Aside from the power, the car is very confortable and roomy. I feel as though I am driving a cadillac the ride is so smooth. Many have said that the cars looks dont appeal to them, well it looks much better from behind the wheel. I am lucky enough to have gotten a 6-speed and it has been a pleasure. Oh, and by the way it has a 6.0 liter V-8. Enough said. If you are in the market for a practical rocket, this is the way to go.

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  back to general motors - 2006 Pontiac Torrent
  By Tim - November 22 - 11:30 pm

  First of all, GM is priced much better than most companies with HQs overseas. You can dicker with the price for the same quality much more than with Honda or Toyota or Mercedes, etc. Secondly, the build quality is at least equal now---just look for yourselves. My buddy works for Cadillac---he knows its true and now I do too. My Pontiac is trim and big and powerful enough to serve my needs-- -it feels good and with black leather the interior has the right stuff. FULLY equiped the price was thousands less than 4 runner or Highlander or Honda.

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  Love the GXP - 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Mackbru - November 22 - 3:33 pm

  I was quite happy with my 2000 Gran Prix GT until my friend took me for a drive in his new GP GXP! I was blown away. Had been seriously looking at the new Mustang, but no more. Acceleration, high speed driving in all conditions, rain snow,(with winter performance Goodyears Eagle Ultragrip GW3 V rated) even city driving in stop and go traffic, the finesse this car has in stopping, lane changing, accelerating makes even the trip to work in heavy traffic almost enjoyable.

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  Versatile and Fun! - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By Miss Michelle - November 22 - 10:00 am

  Love my 2004 Fusion Orange Metallic Vibe! The Moons and Tunes and the Power package is worth the extra money.

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  Just What I Expected - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Ratboyz - November 22 - 10:00 am

  1,200 miles and still loving my GTP. Just as I expected this baby really scoots and outperforms many imports I tested. I cant say enough about the comfort,style and performance of this car. I am happy with the decision to return to a domestic. If you are considering a Nissan, Acura, Beamer, etc. give this car a try first.

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  We Love It! - 2009 Pontiac Vibe
  By howard a. - November 22 - 9:10 am

  The 2009 Vibe GT has exceeded every expectation we had. we average 32 mpg, we love the way it looks, it drives and handles like a much more expensive sports car. The 2.4, 4 cylinder engine has an unbelievable amount of power. The ride is comfortable and we enjoy sliding the sunroof back as we motor down the highway listening to our favorite xm station on the built in xm radio.

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  Fun in the Sun - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By Tom Sully - November 20 - 9:33 pm

  This car has been nothing but all fun. The only problem that I have had with this car is that when it was only 2 weeks old the top wouldnt go down. The dealer said that it was a broken hinge.